JUST IN: Southside Johnny Ailing, Cancels Annual New Year’s Eve Concert, Retires From The Stage

Written By Mike Greenblatt
Southsid Johnny Lyon

Southside Johnny Lyon has cancelled his annual New Year’s Eve show with the Asbury Jukes this year due to health reasons. When contacted, management declined comment. Lyon, 76, had left the stage midway through a December 14 show in Virginia, the Jukes finishing without him.

The Count Basie Center of the Arts, issued a statement saying, in part, "After a hugely successful 50-year run…touring non-stop throughout the U.S. and overseas…Johnny…has made the decision to retire from touring in order to manage ongoing health issues…Johnny Lyon and the Asbury Jukes are an integral part of the Basie Center’s history and the history of music here at the Jersey Shore. While we're sad we won’t be seeing them this New Year’s Eve, everyone at the Count Basie Center is forever grateful for the hundreds of moments that he and his bandmates have created on our stages. We love you, Johnny!"

(Advertisement)

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

Next

George Benson Will Be ‘Breezin’ With The Stars’ January 3-6 in Arizona